Megan Mehall
School: Southmoreland
Class: Senior
Sport: Track
Claim to fame: Mehall ran to a pair of individual championships at the WPIAL Class 2A Track and Field Championships at Slippery Rock. She won the 800- and 1,600-meter runs and qualified for the PIAA Championships in both events.
The West Virginia commit’s 800 time was 2 minutes, 18.32 seconds, while she finished the 1,600 in 5:05.69.
Mehall, who also is a talented soccer player, has the school record in the 400-meter run. She is a seven-time WPIAL and four-time PIAA qualifier in track.
Did you surprise yourself by winning two titles?
Yes.
How did your times compare to your personal records?
I PR’d in the 1,600 by about two seconds, but my 800 time was three seconds slower than my PR.
You took second in the WPIAL 800 last year. Was it fulfilling to win this time?
Absolutely.
Did you eat any of the Jenny Lee cinnamon-swirl bread you received after winning?
Yes.
Where will you hang your gold medals?
On my medal rack in my room with all of my hip numbers and bibs.
What will it take to double down and win PIAA titles?
Staying healthy and being confident.
How much do you train each day and week, in terms of miles?
Twenty to thirty miles per week depending on what point in the season it is.
You were a recipient of a WPIAL James Collins Scholar-Athlete Award earlier this year, and the $1,000 scholarship. What did that mean to you?
It was a great surprise.
Do you like soccer or track more?
Track.
What do you like most about West Virginia?
How inviting it feels and that it is a convenient distance from home.
Will you play intramural soccer at WVU?
No.
You’re No. 1 in your class of 140. How do you manage academics and athletics?
I try to keep sports as an enjoyable aspect of my life instead of something that is dreadful and draining. This makes it easier to balance school and athletics because competing doesn’t feel like a task.
What are some clubs you belong to at school?
NHS, student advisory council, student council.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
Spending time with my friends and getting ready for college.
What are some of your hobbies?
Baking, going on walks, trying new restaurants, taking day trips to new places and shopping.
What do you do before every race you run?
Listen to music and drink an energy drink.
Max Doherty
School: Derry
Class: Junior
Claim to fame: Doherty played a big role in leading the Derry baseball team to a 2-1 upset against No. 4 Beaver in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs. He allowed one run over 6 2/3 innings. He also drove in both runs with a single, double and sacrifice fly.
What was your reaction to the playoff win?
It was an amazing feeling. I told my coach after the second inning I was feeling it. The defense was stellar and everyone was confident. No one was expecting us to win.
What was the key to the victory?
We knew we could win if we put it all together. We played a solid game. Everyone was pumped up.
Was this your most memorable baseball game in high school?
Most definitely. It was cool. My previous memorable moment was getting the save against South Fayette as a freshman.
What is special about the team?
We are well coached and we are a tight-knit group. Everyone pulls for each other.
We do you and your teammates go for a bite to eat after a game or practice?
We got to Mug’s Tavern near Blairsville to eat pizza and play pool.
What is your favorite meal?
My favorite meal is picanha steak, cooked medium rare.
Do you play another sport?
I play football and used to swim. I gave up swimming because I was the lead in the musical “Newsies.” I was Jack Kelly. It was a great time.
What are other things you like do?
I like the arts. I am a member of the jazz band, concert band and pep band. I play the tuba and trumpet.
Do you plan to play football or baseball in college?
I would like to play football. I am looking at the Ivy League schools. I want to major in mechanical engineering and a minor in environmental science. I do like the Penn State and Notre Dame campuses. The big atmosphere.
Do you have a favorite vacation spot?
My sister (Sophia) and I play travel ball (baseball and softball), and our vacation was playing ball.
Is there a place travel ball has taken you to that you would like to return and visit?
I would like to go back to Boston and Panama City.
Is there a vacation spot on your bucket list?
I want to go back to Europe. My sister and I went to France and Spain last year.
What is the last movie you watched?
”The Truman Show.”
What is your favorite TV show?
”The Dukes of Hazard”
Do you have a dream car you would like to own?
A 1959 Impala.
What type of music do you listen to?
I listen to a mix of music, but I mainly enjoy Steely Dan and the Grateful Dead.
What do you think about the Pirates?
It is exciting to see them do well.
What do you think about the play of Konnor Griffin?
He is doing well. Fans should just enjoy the process.
What do you think about the Steelers’ draft?
I went to the first night of the draft. That was neat. I like their picks. The offensive line needed to be addressed, and I like the Eli Heidenreich (Navy) and Gennings Dunker (Iowa) picks.
Do you want Aaron Rodgers to return?
No. I want Will Howard to get the first shot at leading the team.
What is your favorite class at Derry?
I enjoy pottery and painting. I made a bowl and citrus juicer.
Who is Derry’s biggest rival?
Greensburg Salem. But we are opening the football season against Latrobe, which will be exciting.
If you could have lunch or dinner with someone special, who would it be and what would you talk about?
It would be my Grandma (Joanne) and her brother (Father Thomas Smith). They did not get to see me play in high school and we would talk for hours about my achievements.